To me this is like comparing apples and oranges. The main thing for me is that the flavors are totally different since different types of tobaccos are used, and they're processed differently. Not only do you have endless combinations of tobaccos (viginias, latakias, burleys, orientals, Kentucky etc.) but once you factor in the different toppings that can be added, not to mention all the different kinds of pipes, it's really a whole different world. Sure, it's a more complicated than cigar smoking, but that's partly what makes it interesting. I still enjoy the hell out of cigars, of course. but for now the hobby aspect of smoking has kind of been taken over by pipes .